Ally’s #7 So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

For a while, I was too insecure about what people might think of me reading this book to actually buy it. I knew I really needed to see what Beth had to say, but made excuses because I didn’t want what I read to force me to deal with some of my junk. But God knew my tendency to hide, and gave me grace and the opportunity to go through this study in a group setting where I could not ignore or avoid what was uncomfortable. Our group at PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel–Fort Riley) hasn’t even had a chance to discuss chapter one yet, and I’ve already plowed through the book. That’s how good this book is, and that’s how much I needed to hear what Beth had to say–all of it.

Several things hooked me right off the bat. First, Beth’s writing style is witty, powerful, and encouraging. A number of times, I felt like her words were hijacked straight from my brain…from somewhere in the deep recesses where I really don’t want anyone to venture, myself included. I felt exposed, yet empowered. Second, Beth said this is the closest things she’s ever written (or ever will write) to an auto-biography. I was intrigued to hear more about her past and was curious to see what this women, who epitomizes Christian womanly I’ve-got-it-all-togetherness, had to say about insecurities. How much, after all, did she really have to be insecure about? I barely made it through the first chapter before comparing myself to her (sound familiar?) and wondering if her pains were as deep as mine or if her insecurities as difficult to shake as mine. Here’s what she says:

I’m a common woman sharing common problems seeking common solutions on a journey with an uncommon Savior.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who Beth is, who I am, or whether or struggles align. What matters is that we have Jesus, an uncommon Savior who is the only source of the security we are seeking. This book addresses the topic of insecurity so thoroughly and holistically that I don’t really know where to start. Beth discusses insecurities that are rooted in unhealthy view of men, cultural pressures, lies we believe about who we should be, insecurities in our relationships with other women, and how we seek the face of God to find relief from the mess. To put it succinctly, Beth’s goal is to help readers realize that we place too much of our identities (which should be wholly in Christ) in things that only make us feel worse about who we are. It’s a vicious cycle, and Satan loves when we get stuck in it.

Ladies, there is so much insight within these 350 pages that I’d be hard-pressed to sift through all of my highlights to give you the best nuggets. Please, just take my word for it. And men, don’t think this book wouldn’t be helpful for you. Have you ever been confused by a woman’s response that seemed a little insane or crazy and didn’t understand where all the emotions were coming from? Don’t blame it on estrogen, blame it on insecurities. Yup, we’re jacked up, but there are ways you can help and encourage us in our jacked-up-ness. If you love us, please read this book.

I want some soul-deep security drawn from a source that never runs dry and never disparages us for requiring it. We need a place we can go when, as much as we loathe it, we are needy and hysterical. I don’t know about you, but I need someone who will love me when I hate myself. And yes, someone who will love me again and again and again until I kiss this terrestrial sod good-bye.